20/02/2023
Thanks Alice, a Bowen colleague, for posting this
We are all experiencing the trauma, and it's normal to feel a variety of emotions. Sadness, anger, fear, frustration, gratitude, overwhelm, worry, or perhaps disconnected from your body, tight chested, inability to breathe deeply, butterflies, tingly, pain, cramps, all of these and more, are SO VERY NORMAL right now. Sometimes they can come all in the same minute.💜
Please know that you are ok, we are all in this together. Talk to a loved one or friend, it does help to shift the feelings. If you need someone there is also the 1737 number to text or call.💜
A word around guilt. This is also VERY COMMON right now. Feeling like you didn't lose your home, loved ones or pets, and that you can't do enough to help. This feeling is normal right now. 💜
Feelings come and go. We are not our thoughts and feelings. It is also very draining. The constant images, information, stories and scrolling is sometimes to much. Try to limit this, and balance it with a gentle walk. Movement of your body (forcing yourself if you have to) may help shift the feelings. I know because I've been here many times before 💜
Take it all a day at a time. An hour at a time. It's ok that we feel however we feel right now. And it's ok to rest if you need to too 💜
We need to preserve our energy as much as need to help. You can't help if you don't look after yourself and your whanau first💜
And it's ok. Its all ok. 💜
This technique can bring you back to your body quickly in moments of anxiety or distress. Share it with anyone who needs it, kids and adults💜